East Carbon reviews fitness facility project

East Carbon City moved closer to opening a community-based gym at Tuesday's council meeting.

Presentations from the owner of Pro Rehab and the town's Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) volunteers set the stage for a discussion about the health of East Carbon citizens and the desire for a facility where everyone can get in shape.

"Already, we have had lots of people offer their own home equipment for use in the center," said Jeff Ohwiler from Pro Rehab.

Ohwiler scouted deals on workout equipment and proposed that the city council provide approximately $15,000 to purchase several resistance-type machines.

An additional $5,000 was requested for a security system.

"If we were to get 30 memberships at $30 a month we could raise more than $10,000 the first year to be returned to the general fund," Ohwiler said.

Ohwiler threw out a $10,000 figure and indicated that the city might not have to foot the entire bill for the equipment.

"We could get companies to donate grants in exchange for them being able to advertise in the center," said Mayor Orlando LaFontaine.

A $2,000 donation had already come in from one company before anyone had officially started soliciting funds, added the mayor.

LaFontaine lauded Ohwiler's efforts in searching out the best possible deals for equipping the proposed center.

"I want to commend you for reducing the cost from $60,000 to $20,000," said the mayor.

The idea of opening a fitness center in the Bicentennial Building on Park Place has been in the works for a while and discussions have included health professionals from around the county, said LaFontaine.

The VISTA volunteers had been compiling information on several pertinent issues which would support the need for the workout facility.

Volunteer Cindy Jensen said VISTA's research revealed that more than 50 percent of Utahns are overweight or suffer from obesity.

The figures for East Carbon and Sunnyside were nearly as dire, with approximately 40 percent of residents suffering from obesity and obesity related problems.

However, the investigation revealed that 30 minutes of exercise and healthier eating habits would alleviate part of the problem.

"We really should have someone ultimately responsible for the operations," she said.

Logistics aside, residents in attendance at the council meeting appeared to be chomping at the bit to see the project go forward and let the council know.

"I think this is a great thing for our community," said Inez Valdez. "So stop the bickering about what's not going to work and start out positive."

It was Harrison who brought the closure when he made a motion that city officials open up the budget, see if the money is available and, if it is, to move on the project before the next council meeting.